DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ COGNITIVE INTEREST IN STUDYING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF DIDACTICAL GAMES

Abstract

The article examines the process of developing students’ cognitive interest in learning a foreign language through the use of didactic games. Cognitive interest increases the value of pedagogical methods and techniques, as it motivates physiological and mental activity and contributes to the emergence of additional information search. The goal of learning foreign languages is the ability to communicate in a foreign language, and modeling life situations in the format of games will promptly help students get closer to achieving it. Among the ways to activate students’ cognitive interest in foreign language classes, didactic games occupy a special place. The teacher here acts as an instructor, presenter, and mentor. He distributes roles, monitors the progress of the game, defines and voices the rules, and monitors their compliance. The authors conclude that conducting an educational or role-playing game allows the teacher to involve each student in the work, makes it possible to choose roles in connection with the interests and capabilities of the student. The gameplay gives new impressions to students, allows to use their vocabulary more extensively, and helps them to creatively approach the solution of problems. With their help, one can improve grammar, lexical skills or form speech skills, develop observation, attention and creativity.